Why is it so Difficult to Defeat Incumbents? • $ - Have access to large amounts of money – Interest Groups, PACS, Special Interest Money • • Name is already familiar to people They will be rewarded by voters Franking Privilege “Gerrymandering”

House of Representatives “Lower House’ Sect. 2 • 435 members - each state guaranteed 1 (North Dakota and Delaware) • 1929 Congress passed Law - always will have 435 members • Reapportioned every ten years – After the Census is taken • “Gerry-mandering”

Members of the House • • Term: 2 Years Qualifications Salary $174, 000 (Base) http: //hobnobblog. com/congress-by-thenumbers/pay-and-perquisites-ofmembers-of-congress-including-a-history -of-house-and-senate-salaries/ • House Leadership • WF is in the 12 th Congressional District • Mike Bost is our Congressman

• Reserved Powers – powers specifically given only to the states • Education • Infrastructure Development • Roads and Bridges • Concurrent Powers – powers shared between the Federal and State Government • Taxing